A Sterling Heights man has been charged with sexually assaulting a 3-year-old girl at an unlicensed day care center operated by his mother.
Anthony Joseph Trandell, 18, turned himself in to police on Wednesday and was arraigned on two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, police and court officials confirmed Thursday.
Sterling Heights Lt. Luke Riley said the incident occurred recently inside a home in the 42000 block of Utica Road where Trandell resides and his mother cared for young children.
The girl mentioned sexual contact to her mother, who then contacted police, Riley said.
At Trandell’s arraignment in 41-A District Court, Magistrate Michael Piatek set bail at $100,000 and imposed conditions if the Sterling Heights man was able to post the money. Trandell was released from jail after posting 10 percent of the bail with a bondsman. He remains under court order to wear a GPS tether, have no in-person or electronic contact with the girl and must stay at least one mile from her.
“He’s made no statements” about the allegations, Riley said.
Riley added he did not know immediately how many children were cared for at suspect’s home. After interviews with those children, investigators are confident none of them were assaulted.
Trandell is scheduled to return to court Dec. 19 for a probable-cause hearing to determine whether he should stand trial. Second-degree criminal sexual conduct of victims under age 13 involves fondling but not penetration. The offense is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Police officials have reported the unlicensed day care operation to the Michigan Department of Human Services for investigation, Riley said.